Predators rebound to grab 2-1 lead

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Predators finally had a chance to show how they would react to their first loss this postseason.

Returning home, they put their deep scoring on display and bounced back with a big victory.

Cody McLeod scored the game-winner early in the second period, and the Predators beat the Blues 3-1 Sunday to grab a 2-1 lead in their Western Conference semifinal.

“It shows a lot of character coming off a loss last game,” Predators goalie Pekka Rinne said. “We knew that coming in it’s a huge game. Responded really well. It’s a good feeling obviously, but you already start thinking about the next one and trying to keep this momentum going.”

Defensemen Ryan Ellis and Roman Josi also scored, and Colton Sissons added two assists. The Predators outshot St. Louis 34-23, and they now are 6-1 this postseason.

Rinne finished with 22 saves, including a flurry of stops to preserve the win.

Alexander Steen scored for the Blues, who lost for the first time on the road this postseason. Game 4 is Tuesday night.

Ducks 6, Oilers 3

In Edmonton, Alberta, Jakob Silfverberg scored twice to help the Ducks cut the Oilers’ series lead to 2-1.

Ryan Getzlaf had a goal and an assist, and Rickard Rakell, Chris Wagner and Ryan Kesler also scored for Anaheim, which lost the first two games at home. John Gibson stopped 24 shots.

Connor McDavid scored his first of the series for Edmonton. Patrick Maroon and Anton Slepychev also scored. Kris Russell had two assists. Cam Talbot finished with 22 saves.

Game 4 is Wednesday night.